Help! I was just invited to a Halloween party fri nite. What is a hip last minute costume that I can throw together cheap?

Thanks!

Josie

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Josie,

I feel your anxiety. My better half and I are attending our friends' annual Halloween bash this Saturday and we spent last weekend putting our heads together, brainstorming ideas for any creative costumes that didn't come out of a bag. We found something that works for both of us for under $10. Can you say Trick or Cheap?

If you're dead set against sporting a store bought costume, you have two choices. Hit the thrift stores or get your arts and crafts on. My first choice, based on your name alone would be to dress up like a rocker pussycat, but that may be too costly not to mention too cliché.

First step, scout out your own closet for ideas. I found the focus for our couples' costume theme while rediscovering some of my mom's old vintage dresses. For instance, that cool tribal sweatshirt you bought last season could be the starting point for a mod Native American ensemble, just add a cool do it yourself headdress, some tribal paint and voilá, you're dancing with wolves. Safety pin a bunch of feathers to a little black or white dress, add a mask and voilá you're dancing Swan Lake.

After you've found some inspiration, hit Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Be patient, it may take awhile, but if you have a good eye you can most likely find a coordinating piece or two that will bring your look home. Be prepared, you might also find something completely different and awesomer than you originally intended. Go with it. You can always hit the costume store for some look cementing accessories that are way cheaper than a full out costume.